Ogena on fire as Uganda outlast Morocco

Uganda Rugby Cranes fans cheer on their team against Morocco at Kyadondo. PHOTOS: Michael Nsubuga

Rugby Africa Gold Cup

Uganda 47 Morocco 29Pius Ogena bagged two tries and the man-of-match gong as the Rugby Cranes battled to a 47-29 victory over Morocco in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup today at Kyadondo.

Uganda raced to a 30-7 lead by half-time to evoke memories of last week’s 67-12 win over Tunisia at the same venue.

But Morocco had other ideas as they came out of the break, a totally transformed side, scoring two tries in the first 10 minutes to slice Uganda’s lead to just 11 points. Suddenly, the game was on and the destiny of the contest was up for grabs.

Uganda’s Ronald Musajja tackles a Moroccan opponent at Kyadondo

Phillip Wokorach, whose kicking was once again impeccable, scored his fourth penalty of the contest to put Uganda 33-29 ahead. But Morocco were not done. They scored a try and a penalty to cut Uganda’s deficit to just four points.

“The boys showed a lot of character,” Cranes coach John Duncan noted of his players’ response once the game threatened to slip away.

Ogena and Okia scored a try apiece and Wokorach put away the extras for both; he finished the game with a perfect five for five.

The Moroccans join Uganda Rugby Cranes fans in A song after the game

Michael Okorach and Ivan Magomu scored the other tries for Uganda.

The win ensured Uganda will finish third in the final standings, with the winner of the competition to be determined in next week’s clash between Namibia and Kenya, who are first and second respectively.